Bruce Sexauer was born on March 17, 1947 in Oakland, California. Playing the guitar since he was 17, Sexauer began building in 1967 in order to have a better instrument than he could otherwise afford. In his first few years experience, Sexauer moved from solid-bodies, through dulcimers, to flat-top guitars, always working with his own designs. In the next decade Sexauer’s work produced psalteries, mandolins, a tiple’, a Guitarone, and 2 full size harps in addition to a steady stream of individually built flat-top guitars. In the last decade, while still creating a number of exceptional flat-tops, Sexauer has discovered a passion for arch-top guitars. After carving several instruments, Sexauer noticed that many customers are asking for the clarity of the carved guitar, but being accustomed to flat-tops, require more sensitivity and volume than seems to be available in carved guitars. Influenced by Selmer/Macaferri type guitars (such as those made by Michael Dunn, a shop cohort in the 60s), and certain Larson Brothers models from the 30s, Sexauer created the “Coo’stic Dominator” to fill this niche. An induced-arch guitar, the C’Dom produces the clear tone arch-top players require, but is more responsive to a delicate touch and has more “overhead”. A veteran of many years of Art and Craft festivals, as well as an active member of the San Francisco Bay Area’s NCAL (Northern California Association of Luthiers), Sexauer was chosen “Luthier of the Month” by Elderly Instruments in May, 1996.
Bruce Sexauer was born on March 17, 1947 in Oakland, California. Playing the guitar since he was 17, Sexauer began building in 1967 in order to have a better instrument than he could otherwise afford. In his first few years experience, Sexauer moved from solid-bodies, through dulcimers, to flat-top guitars, always working with his own designs. In the next decade Sexauer’s work produced psalteries, mandolins, a tiple’, a Guitarone, and 2 full size harps in addition to a steady stream of individually built flat-top guitars. In the last decade, while still creating a number of exceptional flat-tops, Sexauer has discovered a passion for arch-top guitars. After carving several instruments, Sexauer noticed that many customers are asking for the clarity of the carved guitar, but being accustomed to flat-tops, require more sensitivity and volume than seems to be available in carved guitars. Influenced by Selmer/Macaferri type guitars (such as those made by Michael Dunn, a shop cohort in the 60s), and certain Larson Brothers models from the 30s, Sexauer created the “Coo’stic Dominator” to fill this niche. An induced-arch guitar, the C’Dom produces the clear tone arch-top players require, but is more responsive to a delicate touch and has more “overhead”. A veteran of many years of Art and Craft festivals, as well as an active member of the San Francisco Bay Area’s NCAL (Northern California Association of Luthiers), Sexauer was chosen “Luthier of the Month” by Elderly Instruments in May, 1996.